Last August, Washington parachuted him in as its man. Protracted conflict continues. Libyans want to live free. Their struggle won't end until NATO's removed.

On July 7, sham elections were held. Originally scheduled for June 19, violence and instability postponed them. Current conditions are just as chaotic. Tribes and insurgent gangs control much of the country. Turf battles continue.

Anyone holding a position in any capacity in Gaddafi's government was excluded from participating. So were ordinary Libyans. Only those judged professionally qualified could run. NTC stooges decided. Washington had final say.

Democracy wasn't on the ballot. It never is with America in charge. Obama officials claimed otherwise.

Hillary Clinton did what she does best. She lied. She called Libyan elections a "historic milestone."

"(M)en and women from every corner of Libya are determining their own future."

"Libyans are celebrating their first free national election in 60 years ."

"Revelers lit the night sky over the capital, Tripoli, with fireworks...."

The Voice of America broadcasts US propaganda. It outdoes Fox News. It headlined "Libyans Hold Emotional Multi-Party Election, First in 60 Years," saying:

"Libyans filled with optimism went to the polls Saturday for their nation's first multi-party elections in 60 years. It was an emotional moment for people who have lived through 42 years of dictatorship and a bloody revolution."

Young men "presiding over a raucous intersection of celebratory horn honking, as Libyans headed to and from the voting stations."

Optimism spread around the capital, said VOA. "Libyans of all ages put their country's problems aside and celebrated (on) their first post-revolution election day."

Libyans showing up at polls won't get what they voted for. Democracy wasn't on the ballot. Two hundred General National Congress (GNC) seats were at stake.

Around 4,000 candidates competed. NTC officials ran as independents or newly created parties. Others had various party, independent, or other affiliations.

Most parties are Islamist. Washington has had a longstanding relationship with regional Islamist regimes. They include Saudi Arabia and Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood. Al Qaeda is strategically used both as ally and enemy.

In the 1980s, bin Laden and mujahideen fighters were used against Soviet forces in Afghanistan. Ronald Reagan called them freedom fighters.

Only 80% of eligible voters were registered. Illegitimate electoral officials claimed turnout was 60%. It may, in fact, have been much lower. Pre-election, calls in parts of the country urged boycotting it.

GNC replaces the NTC. Puppet governance remains unchanged.

Within 30 days of taking office, a puppet prime minister will be chosen. He and majority GNC members are tasked with serving Western interests. Sham elections give them cover.

Redrawing the entire Eurasian map is planned. Involved is balkanizing it for greater control. Divide and conquer strategy makes it easier. One country after another is targeted. Currently it's Syria. In 2011, it was Libya.

Once puppet officials take office, drafting a new constitution will follow. Originally planned as their first order of business, voters will now decide who'll do it. Expect Western powers to choose eligible candidates.

It provided free healthcare, education, electricity, water, training, rehabilitation, housing assistance, disability and old-age benefits, interest-free state loans, as well as generous subsidies to study abroad, buy a new car, help couples when they marry, practically free gasoline, and more.

Libya under Gaddafi became Africa's most developed nation. Its hospitals and private clinics were some of the region's best. Now they're in shambles. So is most else from months of bombing, continued violence, and Western indifference to people needs.

What Gaddafi provided, NATO swept away. Libyans are on their own to survive. Former calm and stable life is now violent, chaotic and dysfunctional.

Anyone expressing support for Gaddafi's government is subject to criminal penalties. Insulting the so-called "revolution" is also illegal.

Its mandate includes mass deaths, vast destruction, subjugation, colonization, resource control, exploitation, and defiance of rule of law principles and other democratic values.

Hillary Clinton said Libyans now get to choose their own future. She didn't explain that tyranny and neoliberal exploitation are part of the deal.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book is titled "How Wall Street Fleeces America: Privatized Banking, Government Collusion and Class War"

http://www.claritypress.com/Lendman.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening.

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